Monthly Archives: February 2012

Maybe you were one of those high schoolers who pleaded with Mom & Dad to let you go off to the “big” school at KU, promising you’d “be safe.” Or, maybe you were so determined to go, you decided to get tons of scholarships and an early admittance letter just so they would say “YES.” There are many reasons why going off to a large college is great for a teenager. However, there are also equally as many reasons why your parents can hardly sleep at night once you go away to the big school. And if you’re a young female – their main concern is that you stay safe.

Make sure the waiter is the one who brings the drinks to your table on a first date.

How to Stay Safe on a Date

Of course you’ll be safe. The guy came up to you, started flirting at the bar, and you could tell by the look in his eyes that he was to be trusted. And so the story goes. And in many cases, yes, this is true. And that’s why many KU alumni are happily married and have their own families. However, there ARE some cases where that’s not always how it plays out. And to make sure you end up with your happily ever after, here are a few things we’d advise you on in regards to dating in college and being asked out by complete strangers.

1. Always Let Someone Know Where you Are And Who You’re With

First rule of thumb when it comes to dating guys you meet – who you’ve never met before – always, always, always let someone know where you are. These days, technology helps us along so it doesn’t have to be an excuse to leave the dinner table and call. Send a text to at least one trusted girlfriend, and let her know where you are at. If you can, make sure she also knows who you are with and his phone number. You don’t have to “call in” like you did as a teenager, but be smart and don’t go off alone with strangers without anyone knowing your whereabouts.

2. Keep an Eye on your Drink at All Times

Not to be pessimists here, but date rape drugs are real. We test for them a lot. If you’re just getting to know someone, make sure you know where the drinks came from. If you want to accept his offer to buy your drink, just make sure the waiter is the one who brings it directly to the table. Or if you’re at a bar, go up to the bar to get the drink. Keep your hands on your cup at all times throughout the night.

3. Carry some Safety Essentials

Have the “basics” on you in the event you need help throughout the night and get in a bad situation. Always have your cell phone on you. Also, it’s not a bad idea to carry pepper spray so that you can get out of a bad situation if it comes up.

4. Stay in a Public Place

Now we get the whole “he’s the one” thing and the romanticism of realizing that on the first date. However – reality check – it’s the first date. And if you’ve never met the guy, protect yourself and stay in a public place. Too many tragic stories have come from girls going up to the apartment, or guys coming over, only to end in regrets and sometimes worse.

5. Remember Your Sex Ed Classes

We want to be realistic and know that there are many occasions where perfect strangers end the night well … knowing each other much better. And what we want to say to that is to make sure to be safe if you choose to become intimate with your date. We don’t highly recommend going home with someone you’ve just met. However, if this situation does occur, take the smart steps to play it safe. Use condoms – this won’t only help prevent pregnancy – but STDs as well. Make sure you exchange names and numbers – “one-night-stands” aren’t as fun as they seem. And never forget point #1 – make sure someone knows where you are.

It’s pretty widespread knowledge that Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) quickly travel around the teenage community. It’s even been said that ONE IN FOUR teenagers have an STD. And it makes sense. Teenagers who become sexually active at a younger age are more susceptible. Plus, lack of understanding of safe sex practices can also contribute to the occurrence of STDs in teens. Although teens are known for their susceptibility, a lesser known and recognized problem is that college students, even those at KU, are at risk, too. The STDs traveling around college campuses are a growing concern that can have detrimental effects on students and their families in the long run if untreated.

Teens aren't the only ones who get STDs. If you're in college, make sure to practice safe sex, too.

How do you Get an STD?

One of the easiest ways to get an STD is to sleep with someone who has an STD. A disease can be transmitted by any anal, oral and/or genital contact. While it’s very difficult to stop the transfer of some STDs, generally latex condoms work the best. Only condoms are said to prevent the spread of an STD, even other birth control methods won’t work when it comes to sexual diseases. And sometimes, condoms won’t even work.

Why Treat an STD

Some of the symptoms of an STD are undetectable, but others make it painfully apparent that you’ve been infected. Numbness, burning, rashes and discharge are just a few of the symptoms. Even if you’re not experiencing pain, it’s critical that you get tested for an STD if you recognize any symptoms, or a sexual partner notifies you that they have one. If your test turns out positive, there are treatment options for you.

The reasons to treat an STD start out as the same to treat nearly any medical condition – feel better, relieve any pain, remove any unwanted embarrassing areas. However, treating STDs is imperative because it can cause detriments to your future fertility if you don’t have it checked and treated.

STDs impact Fertility

College students MUST realize that they are susceptible to STDs just like teens. If you’re sexually active, and especially if you’ve been active since your early teens and have had multiple sexual partners, you are at risk for an STD.

While a marriage and kids may not be on your radar in the next few years, it’s actually not as far off as it may seem. Acquiring an STD doesn’t only effect your current health – but it will impact your future spouse and even your chance at having children. Left untreated, an STD can result in infertility and years of heartbreak at the loss of biological children.

It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to STDs. Some can be easily treated with antibiotics if caught early. If you’ve had multiple sexual partners or suspect you could carrying an STD (or have received one recently), don’t wait. Get checked today.

We’re excited to be moving into Lawrence, KS, land of the Jayhawks! Part of what attracted us to this great little town just a few miles west of Kansas City was the great student population coming from the University of Kansas. We cannot wait to meet students and help them stay healthy and well. We’re here to provide answers for some of the most pressing health concerns college students face.

Speaking of issues college students face, we couldn’t help but notice this story hitting major headlines last week about a university in Pennsylvania selling the Plan B pill through vending machines. It reminded us of the issues students at college face, and some of their biggest health concerns.

Worried you could be pregnant? Get tested to find out for sure.

What is the Plan B Pill and the Hype About?

The Plan B pill is designed to prevent contraception after intercourse. This pill has been widely used by individuals who either neglected to practice safe sex or those not confident in their pregnancy prevention steps. This pill has also been used by victims of sexual assault. The Associated Press reports that, “Taking Plan B within 72 hours of rape, condom failure or just forgetting regular contraception can cut the chances of pregnancy by up to 89 percent. It works best if taken within 24 hours.” There is much controversy surrounding the pill, and the way that it’s used and being sold. And while we aren’t here to offer commentary on this pill, we are here to serve as a resource for any KU student who might be in a crisis pregnancy situation.

KU Students and Unplanned Pregnancy

This story makes us remember that cases of unplanned pregnancies are not uncommon on college campuses, even KU. Students seeking help in Lawrence have options. If you’re concerned you might be pregnant and not sure what to do, here are some local Lawrence, KS resources for you:

[ARCpoint Labs of Lawrence] Need a pregnancy test but don’t want the whole world to know? Slip in to our walk-in laboratory in Lawrence, KS for a completely confidential pregnancy test. You won’t have to worry about being seen as you walk into a “free clinic” to find out results. We provide reliable pregnancy testing services and quick results. Our pregnancy services can even tell you how far along you are in pregnancy if you indeed test positive.

ARCpoint Labs can also perform paternity testing if you’re unsure about the baby’s father.